We went last night and had a really nice evening, the staff were all lovely and the food was delicious. We thought it wouldn't have been bad at full price, though we were grateful that we could buy half price and half size portions of some things. We didn't go downstairs but I don't have a single complaint. We will definitely go back, if we can get a table!

Dropped in on Friday for a drink downstairs.
Friendly staff and good music, but the bar needs some help.

Dimming the over-bright downlighters under the bar top, painting the speakers to match the wall and getting some extra art on the wall would be a start.
I know that they've only just opened and everyone has a budget, but I'd look at replacing the tables downstairs sooner rather than later, get some more inspired bar stools and add a couple of proper chairs rather than footstools to at least one of the tables.

I want local businesses to succeed and will be going back for a meal (upstairs looks far more inviting, and the menu looks great), but can't see myself using the bar again (even though happy hour made it very reasonable) when there is so much other choice in the area.

agree that the first post was probably too harsh - they have just opened and its still soft launch time. Makes you wonder why anybody bothers to take a risk & open up a new business. Am hoping to try it this week....so I guess I'd better like it now!

We dropped in on Saturday night on the off chance - and had a great evening there. They found us a table although they were officially full (we had to give the table back within a time limit) and the food was very good (although I would say not quite at Zucca standard - but that is high indeed). And we were very plesently surprised to have 50% off the bill at the end - it was very reasonable at full price.

Quibbles - the music was too loud but they turned it down when I asked, one of our main dishes arrived about 1 minute after the others. Not exactly terrible for what I believe was their third day of being open. I didn't venture downstairs to the bar though.

Decent pizza place? Cafe Amisha on Grange Road - deserves to be far fuller than it usually is. Lovely fresh ingredients, friendly and a Banksy on the wall outside.

Well I wasn't there on NYE but I did go to one of the soft launches and I have to say I'm utterly astonished by the opening comments.

Everyone in our party agreed that the staff were surprisingly friendly and chatty. The food was fantastic, the cocktails too (and very strong :-) ) and over all I can see myself going there quite often.
The downstairs lounge bar can't have been that bad, I was there until kicking out time!